Setting up at the Chicago Summer Antiques Show, August 14, 2013

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

One of four killer Tiffany Favrile vases we'll have at the show, fresh from a private collection

One of four killer Tiffany Favrile vases we’ll have at the show, fresh from a private collection

We started setting up yesterday at the Chicago Summer Antiques Show, in the same booth, just to the left of the front door. It’s a nice, big booth, with plenty of room to display everything beautifully.

Another of the four great Tiffany Favrile vases that we'll have at the show

Another of the four great Tiffany Favrile vases that we’ll have at the show

We’ll have some great new items, including four wonderful Tiffany Favrile vases, all from the same private collection. They’ll all be at the show, which opens to the public this Friday, August 16th, at noon. We’ll be exhibiting in hall D at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, until Sunday at 5 PM. Make the time to visit the show. You’ll like what you see.

Beautiful Daum Nancy columbine vase, just in

Beautiful Daum Nancy columbine vase, just in

If you can’t attend the Chicago show, make sure you make plans to come to the really great and huge Baltimore Summer Antiques Fair, August 22-25, 2013, the following week. It’s a show worth traveling to from anywhere in the world. Buyers fly in from all over the country, Canada, Europe and even Japan. How about two free tickets to the show with no strings attached? Click here to get them.

I’m in the process of having my website totally redesigned, with many changes and improvements. It’s coming in the next few weeks. Can’t wait to show you and get your reaction!

Wonderful Daum Nancy scenic blownout vase, in rare purple variation, just in

Wonderful Daum Nancy scenic blownout vase, in rare purple variation, just in

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps.

Come to the Chicago Summer Antiques Show to see what’s new at Philip Chasen Antiques

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

This little Tiffany Favrile beauty makes my heart go pitter pat

This little Tiffany Favrile beauty makes my heart go pitter pat

I’ve got two important shows coming up this week and next, the Chicago Summer Antiques Show and the Baltimore Summer Antiques Fair. I know important clients will be there, so I always try to come up with fresh delicacies (sounds delicious, no?). This week I was lucky enough to get into a private home with a wonderful collection of Tiffany Favrile glass. The owner has decided he’s gotten to the point in life where he’s now interested in selling. Good for me and good for you.

Another of the four fantastic Tiffany Favrile vases from a private collection

Another of the four fantastic Tiffany Favrile vases from a private collection

Each of the four Tiffany Favrile vases that came from this collection is better than the next. You’ll just have to visit me at my shows to see them all. I suspect they won’t last long.

daum-blackbird-3

French glass will be well represented at my shows. I’ll have some of the best Daum and Gallé vases I’ve ever had.

Truly outstanding Tiffany Studios 20" Poppy table lamp

Truly outstanding Tiffany Studios 20″ Poppy table lamp

My selection of Tiffany Studios lamps will be second to none. An outstanding 20″ diameter Poppy leads the pack.

Beautiful Daum Nancy columbine vase, just in

Beautiful Daum Nancy columbine vase, just in

This coming weekend, August 16-18, we’ll be at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, for the first of our two shows, the Chicago Summer Antiques Show. If you can’t attend the Chicago show, make sure you make plans to come to the really great and huge Baltimore Summer Antiques Fair, August 22-25, 2013, the following week. It’s a show worth traveling to from anywhere in the world. Buyers fly in from all over the country, Canada, Europe and even Japan. How about two free tickets to the show with no strings attached? Click here to get them.

I’m in the process of having my website totally redesigned, with many changes and improvements. It’s coming in the next few weeks. Can’t wait to show you and get your reaction!

Wonderful Daum Nancy scenic blownout vase, in rare purple variation, just in

Wonderful Daum Nancy scenic blownout vase, in rare purple variation, just in

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps.

Martin Brothers double bird sells for $57,000 at Skinner’s European Furniture & Decorative Arts, July 13, 2013

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

Martin Brothers double bird, Skinner lot #896

Martin Brothers double bird, Skinner lot #896

Skinner, Inc. held their European Furniture & Decorative Arts sale on July 12-13, 2013. Included in the huge 1377-lot sale was a Martin Brothers double bird. It was fairly small, 6″ tall, and kind of hidden in this huge sale. I had hopes of sneaking up on it and buying it reasonably, but that was not going to happen. The major players had found out about it, so there was no hope of getting a bargain. The final sale price almost quadrupled the high pre-sale estimate of $15,000, selling for $57,000, including the buyer’s premium. It wasn’t a surprise because the market in the best quality Martin Brothers items has been strong for some time and continues to be so.

Very rare 1914 Louis Wain cat, The Lucky Master Cat

Very rare 1914 Louis Wain cat, The Lucky Master Cat

Next weekend, August 16-18, we’ll be at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, to exhibit at the Chicago Summer Antiques Show. We’re bringing some really high-powered new items, all fresh to the market, including four outstanding Tiffany Favrile vases straight out of a collector’s home. Please take the time to visit us at the show to see for yourself.

If you can’t attend the Chicago show, make sure you make plans to come to the really great Baltimore Summer Antiques Fair, August 22-25, 2013, the following week. It’s a show worth traveling to from anywhere in the world. Buyers fly in from all over the country, Canada, Europe and even Japan. How about two free tickets? Click here to get your two free tickets to the show.

I’m in the process of having my website totally redesigned, with many changes and improvements. It’s coming in the next few weeks. Can’t wait to show you and get your reaction!

Wonderful Daum Nancy scenic blownout vase, in rare purple variation, just in

Wonderful Daum Nancy scenic blownout vase, in rare purple variation, just in

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps.

The Chicago Summer Antiques Show & Sale begins on Friday, August 16, 2013

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, on River Road, in Rosemont, IL

The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, on River Road, in Rosemont, IL

The Chicago Summer Antiques Show & Sale begins next weekend, Friday, August 16, 2013, at noon, and continues until Sunday, August 18, 2013 at 5 PM. It’s a small show, but with good dealers, so it’s worth a trip from anywhere in the greater Chicago region. An interesting aspect of this year’s show, at least from an exhibitor’s viewpoint, is the simultaneous Chicago International Coin Fair. It will run at the same time as the antique show, in the same building, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. It’s an important opportunity because many coin dealers are good clients of antiques dealers. If you’re a dealer sitting on the fence about exhibiting this year at the Chicago Summer Antiques Show, this is important information which may help you make up your mind. Personally I have many clients who are coin dealers, so I’m hopeful that some of my business at the show will come from them.

Very rare 1914 Louis Wain cat, The Lucky Master Cat

Very rare 1914 Louis Wain cat, The Lucky Master Cat

I’m bringing some powerful new items, including a very rare Louis Wain ceramic cat from 1914, entitled The Lucky Master Cat. It’s straight out of a private home and fresh to the market.

Rare Tiffany Studios frame in the Medallion pattern

Rare Tiffany Studios frame in the Heraldic pattern

How about a rare and beautiful Tiffany Studios frame in the Heraldic pattern? Again, straight out of a private home and fresh to the market.

I’m also bringing a great assortment of Tiffany Studios lamps and glass and some really great French glass by Daum Nancy and Gallé. Please take the time to visit me at the show, especially because you won’t be able to visit me at the Arlington Park Racetrack in October. It’s unlikely there will be any more antique shows at the track in the foreseeable future. Even if there is one, I won’t be there.

In any event, make sure you make plans to come to the really great Baltimore Summer Antiques Fair, August 22-25, 2013, the week after Chicago. It’s a show worth traveling to from anywhere in the world. Buyers fly in from all over the country, Canada, Europe and even Japan. How about two free tickets? Click here to get your two free tickets to the show.

I’m in the process of having my website totally redesigned, with many changes and improvements. It’s coming in the next few weeks. Can’t wait to show you and get your reaction!

Wonderful Daum Nancy scenic blownout vase, in rare purple variation, just in

Wonderful Daum Nancy scenic blownout vase, in rare purple variation, just in

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps.

Some amazing items will be up for sale at Christie’s South Kensington Out of the Ordinary auction, September 5, 2013

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

An amazing array of unusual items will be sold at Christie’s South Kensington Out of the Ordinary sale on September 5, 2013. I’ve viewed thousands upon thousands of auction catalogs over the years, but this one stands out for the variety, quality and strangeness of many of the items — and that’s a compliment. The ages of the items range from mid-19th century to 2012, and all are estimated in the “reasonable” price range, by which I mean up to five figures.

Waxflatter Ornithopter from the movie The Young Sherlock Holmes, Christie's lot #100

Waxflatter Ornithopter from the movie The Young Sherlock Holmes, Christie’s lot #100

For instance, you can bid on the Waxflatter Ornithopter from the Steven Spielberg film The Young Sherlock Holmes, (lot 100, £50,000 – £80,000), or a genuine Tyrannosaurus Rex tooth (lot 103, £5,000 – £8,000).

This giant shoe will be Christie's lot #64

This giant shoe will be Christie’s lot #64

How about a 66″ tall giant shoe from the Karstadt department store in Dusseldorf, Germany? It’s lot 64 and estimated to sell for £8,000 – £12,000.

Victorian bird cage, Christie's lot #83

Victorian bird cage, Christie’s lot #83

A European bird cage, in the form of a Victorian house, comes in at the lower end of the estimates. It will be sold as lot 83, with an estimate of £1,800 – £2,500.

I haven’t even scratched the surface of the diversity and fun of this sale. I suggest you check out the online catalog by clicking here.

Are you coming to the Baltimore Summer Antiques Fair, August 22-25, 2013? Maybe two free tickets will convince you. Click here for two free tickets to the show.

I’m in the process of having my website totally redesigned, with many changes and improvements. It’s coming in the next few weeks. Can’t wait to show you and get your reaction!

Wonderful Daum Nancy scenic blownout vase, in rare purple variation, just in

Wonderful Daum Nancy scenic blownout vase, in rare purple variation, just in

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps.

The results of the Birchwood Manor Antiques Show, July 27-28, 2013

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

Saturday afternoon, in front of my booth

Saturday afternoon, in front of my booth

The Birchwood Manor Antiques Show was held this past weekend, July 27-28, 2013. Attendance was slow to moderate on Saturday, with few questions and only a couple of (decent) sales. It’s very tough to sit at a show for eight hours, with little to do. At least I got to take a short nap.

This fabulous Tiffany Studios 3-light lily lamp was sold at the show

This fabulous Tiffany Studios 3-light lily lamp was sold at the show

Attendance improved considerably on Sunday, but not sales. The day ended with only one Sunday sale, for a total of only three sales, and a show rating of “fair” from me.

Sunday saw better attendance

Sunday saw better attendance

I asked around and got the following feedback from some of the dealers — “Very respectable” from a dealer in Asian items; “mediocre and disappointing” from a dealer in general merchandise and art; “worst show I ever had here” from a dealer in general antiques; “good” from a dealer in art glass and watches; and “very good” from a dealer in art glass. There was no general consensus for the show, just the expected range from good to bad.

Are you coming to the Baltimore Summer Antiques Fair, August 22-25, 2013? Maybe two free tickets will convince you. Click here for two free tickets to the show.

I’m in the process of having my website totally redesigned, with many changes and improvements. It’s coming in the next few weeks. Can’t wait to show you and get your reaction!

Wonderful Daum Nancy scenic blownout vase, in rare purple variation, just in

Wonderful Daum Nancy scenic blownout vase, in rare purple variation, just in

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps.

Setting up at the Denver World Wide Antique & Vintage Show

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

The Denver World Wide Antique & Vintage Show will be held in the Expo Building of the Denver Merchandise Mart

The Denver World Wide Antique & Vintage Show will be held in the Expo Building of the Denver Merchandise Mart

We haven’t exhibited in Denver for the last three years, as we didn’t sell enough to justify the expenses of traveling from New York. A fellow dealer, Loretta Gosse, encouraged me to try the show again, as the show was sold to new owners. Most shows improve under new owners, usually with better promotion. Loretta told me the last show, under the new promoters, was excellent, so we decided to exhibit in Denver one more time. Hopefully we’ll do well and return next year. Tune in Monday for the results.

We're just getting started setting up in Denver

We’re just getting started setting up in Denver

Most dealers seemed quite upbeat. They told me of good results at recent shows, both in Denver, Kansas City and elsewhere. Good advertising and promotion can do the trick of attracting more and better buyers to a show, so everyone benefits. It creates a virtuous circle, where a show gets better each year. The show is already larger than three years ago, and that’s a very good sign.

We'll have this very rare Louis Icart etching Happy Birthday at the show

We’ll have this very rare Louis Icart etching Happy Birthday at the show

This will be our first show since the spring, when we exhibited at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. In the meantime, we’ve been traveling and buying everywhere. There are so many new items in our inventory, you’ll have trouble recognizing our booth (not really). If you’re in the area, please try to visit the show. It’s much improved and worth your while.

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Fabulous B&S mini vase with internally decorated flowers -- just in

Fabulous B&S mini vase with internally decorated flowers — just in

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps.

Some good results at James D. Julia’s Important Lamp & Glass Auction, June 19-20, 2013

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

James D. Julia, Inc. held their Important Lamp & Glass Auction, June 19-20, 2013, with sales totaling over $2.1 million. The results were mixed, with some categories outperforming others.

Rare Pairpoint puffy owl table lamp, Julia's lot #2086

Rare Pairpoint puffy owl table lamp, Julia’s lot #2086

A rare Pairpoint puffy owl table lamp, selling as lot #2086, sold above its high estimate of $60,000, reaching $77,025, including buyer’s premium. It was fresh to the market and only the eighth known example.

Gallé marquetry vase, Julia's lot #2054

Gallé marquetry vase, Julia’s lot #2054

While French glass in general wasn’t strong at the sale, there were some items that did very well. Lot #2054 was a Gallé marquetry vase that was estimated to sell for $14,000 – $16,000. It handily exceeded its high estimate, to sell for $21,330, including buyer’s premium.

Fine Argy-Rousseau vase, The Apple Picker, Julia's lot #2283

Fine Argy-Rousseau vase, The Apple Picker, Julia’s lot #2283

Julia’s offered a very nice selection of fine French pâte-de-verre items by Argy-Rousseau and A. Walter. Of this group, an Argy-Rousseau vase, The Apple Picker, did best. Selling as lot #2283, it easily exceeded its pre-sale estimate of $8,000 – $12,000, realizing $18,960.

Tiffany Studios Curtain Border chandelier, Julia's lot #2481

Tiffany Studios Curtain Border chandelier, Julia’s lot #2481

The top Tiffany Studios lot of the sale was #2481, a 24″ diameter Curtain Border chandelier. It more than doubled its high estimate of $30,000, realizing $77,025.

For the complete results of session 2, click here. You will have to sign it to see the prices.

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Fabulous B&S mini vase with internally decorated flowers -- just in

Fabulous B&S mini vase with internally decorated flowers — just in

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps.

The summer antique show season is about to begin

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

The summer antiques shows are almost upon us, with Denver first. We gave up on Denver a few years ago, but were convinced to try it again, since the show is under new management. Hopefully it will be better this time around, so we can look forward to returning the following year. The show will be held at the Denver Mart, beginning on Friday, July 19 at 10 AM and ending on Sunday, July 21, at 5 PM. Please visit us in booth 107 and take a look at our spectacular new purchases, accumulated from around the world.

I'll have this fabulous Tiffany Studios 3-light lily lamp at the Denver show

I’ll have this fabulous Tiffany Studios 3-light lily lamp at the Denver show

The following week, we will exhibit locally in the New York area, at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany, NJ. It’s a short, weekend show, July 27-28. The quality is very good for a small show. Some years it’s gone very well and others not. We’ll see what’s in store for us this year.

Just got this very rare Louis Icart etching Happy Birthday

Just got this very rare Louis Icart etching Happy Birthday

August’s shows have a better track record. First we’ll be in Rosemont, IL, for the Chicago Summer Antiques Show at the Rosemont Convention Center, August 16-18. It’s a small, but good quality show. We always look forward to Chicago, as we have many good friends and clients in the area. We’ll no longer exhibit at Arlington Racetrack, if there is another show there (and that’s in doubt). That increases the importance of our other shows in the greater Chicago area.

This was our Baltimore booth is 2011

This was our Baltimore booth is 2011

The last show of the summer is also the best. The Baltimore Summer Antiques Show has been slowly evolving, first under the stewardship of the former promoter, Frank Farbenbloom, and now under the ownership of the Palm Beach Show Group. Every year, incrementally, the show has gotten better, with higher quality exhibitors, increased attendance, and stronger sales. In my opinion, it’s now one of the two best antiques shows of the year, competing only with the Original Miami Beach Antiques Show in January. Make your travel plans now and join buyers who drive and fly in from all over the US, Canada, Europe and Asia. Then stop by my booth to say hi.

Fabulous B&S mini vase with internally decorated flowers -- just in

Fabulous B&S mini vase with internally decorated flowers — just in

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps.

Dr. Francis Crick’s Nobel Prize medal sells for $2,270,500 at Heritage Auction, April 11, 2013

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

Dr. Francis Crick's Nobel prize medal, front, Heritage lot #34001

Dr. Francis Crick’s Nobel prize medal, front, Heritage lot #34001

Coming from a scientific background, I was acutely aware of the significance of the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure. The names Watson and Crick were emblazoned in my mind, alongside the likes of other famous scientists like Newton, Darwin and Einstein. So it was with great curiosity that I followed the auction of the Nobel Prize medal won by Dr. Francis Crick for his share of the discovery.

Back of Dr. Crick's medal

Back of Dr. Crick’s medal

Heritage Auction included the 23K solid gold medal in its Manuscripts Signature Auction in New York on April 11, 2013. The auction house estimated the medal could sell for up to $500,000, but it soon became clear that price would be left in the dust. Selling as lot #34001, it soared to $2,270,500, including buyer’s premium. The winner was businessman Jack Wang, of Biomobie, a biomedical company with offices in California and China. He flew into New York to attend the auction.

Dr. Crick's endorsed Nobel Prize check, Heritage lot #34002

Dr. Crick’s endorsed Nobel Prize check, Heritage lot #34002

The family of Dr. Crick had consigned the medal, along with ten other lots, including Dr. Crick’s endorsed Nobel prize check for 85,739.88 Swedish Kroner. It sold as lot #34002 for $77,675.

For the complete results of the sale, click here.

No shows until July 19-21, when we’ll be in Denver. A fellow dealer convinced me to try the show again. She said the show has new promoters, who filled the hall with buyers the last time. So we’ll give it one more shot. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to call or write if you would like to buy, sell or trade.

Fabulous B&S mini vase with internally decorated flowers -- just in

Fabulous B&S mini vase with internally decorated flowers — just in

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Wonderful A. Walter pate-de-verre vase with lizard, just in

Wonderful A. Walter pate-de-verre vase with lizard, just in

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps.